The half mile loop is marked with blue painted poles. There is no clear trail. Be sure to bring leather boots, the lava will tear up shoes. There are lots of fissure to jump over, some fairly deep. This is close to my home, so I’ve been maybe 6 times, and each time it looks different. If it is clear, you’ll have nice views of the buttes and snow capped mountains (about 9 months per year). I hiked the loop June 9th this year, and the cacti were in bloom. That was a first!

Pets not recommended unless they've spent plenty of time walking in shoes already. Definitely make sure they are a good fit too! We've gone out with our dog, but turned back because his shoes kept coming off. Lava rock is not ok on bare dog paws, its sharp and gets hot. Set your dog up to have a good time outside.

If its windy in Idaho Falls, its windy A.F. out here.

The scene out here is pretty awesome if you haven't grown up here and haven't seen lava fields before.

Take plenty of water. The lava rocks reflect a lot of heat and you will need it. I would never take my dog out there!!! Rough trail and sharp rocks. Always pack a flashlight just in case and understand that it is impossible to follow the poles in the dark and the trail is not like a dirt trail that's easy to follow. I did a search and rescue mission out there. It's real easy to twist an ankle and get lost. That's my 2 cents.

This trail is found at a rest stop in Idaho. If stopping off here, do a quick walk… It’ll take you 10 to 15 minutes but really it’s just a time killer while everybody else goes to the bathroom at this rest stop. I mean, it’s better than playing Solitaire on your cell phone while you’re waiting so go out and explore and learn something about lava formations.

It’s a nice hike and decent workout, but somewhat bland scenery. The patterns of the lava flow are interesting, but create a rugged terrain. I wouldn’t recommend it for dogs, there’s several sharp rocks and small cacti hidden between them. A few families were there with small children (under 10yrs) who seemed to be struggling because of the large crevasses and loose uphill rocks.

Cool hike but do not take dogs onto any volcanic rock lightly. People only! Dogs will need booties. Also, it can get windy out here, windy enough that any hats need to be physically strapped on and jackets need to be zipped or they can catch gusts that will knock you off your feet.

It is a very hot hike on the lava rocks. There was a lot of cactus flowers and a few rabbits. There is not a trail that is visible for the majority of the hike and you must find the trail posts to follow. The hike was 10 miles to get to the end of the markers. I would recommend starting the trail early and plan on around 4+ hours.

One of my favorite spring hikes! Beautiful desert landscape! Enjoy the spring foliage including lichen, juniper bushes, sage brush, sego lily and prickly pear cactus. This is rattlesnake territory, but the rattlesnakes stand out against lava rock and I have only seen them on warm days. I start hiking here as soon as the snow has melted off the ground in town.
Once the temperatures get above 75 degrees I avoid this one. The lava rock gets hot! The trailhead can be difficult to find, the sign does not reference to the 20 mile, but says soemthing like "Lava trail." The trailhead is almost exactly 20 miles west on Hwy 20 from the intersection of Bellin Road and Hwy 20. There is a picnic area, but no restroom or outhouse or water. The trail follows tall poles. The blue poles take you in a short loop--at the far end of the loop, you can continue on the out and back with the red poles. The poles can be a little bit difficult to see, so avoid trekking back at sunset if you are unfamiliar with the area. However, the sunset is beautiful here with views of some of the buttes in the west and southwest and the Pioneer mountains. Wear sturdy shoes and watch your foot placement--there are plenty of cracks, loose rocks and lots of uneven ground. The vent is pretty cool, but I think this is one hike that the journey is at least as good as the destination.